Celebrate Love Houston-Style and Get Your Valentine Something Local

We've heard it time and time again: Eat local. Shop local. Think global, act local. Local, local, local: It can start to sound like a broken record.

But the fact is, going local pours money back into your city's economy, and Valentine's Day gifts that come from Houston purveyors show that you didn't just rush to the grocery store at the last minute for a box of chocolates and some dying flowers. You put some thought into your gift. That's why we're crushing so hard on these local goodies for Valentine's Day this year.

And if you're one of those single Valentine's Day haters? That's OK, too. You should still go out and treat yourself to something tasty made by one of Houston's many talented chefs and artisans. Consider it your love letter to this great city.

And let's face it: Anything is better than a goddamned Edible Arrangement.

Photo courtesy The Chocolate Bar

Cliché? Yes. But for a darn good reason.

10. The Chocolate Bar chocolates
Of course The Chocolate Bar is an obvious choice for a Valentine's Day gift, but part of the reason many of our minds immediately go there is because it's so darn good. No need to search high and low for imported artisan chocolates, because The Chocolate Bar makes rich, smooth, creamy chocolate right here every day. The chocolatiers make it in all shapes and sizes, so it's not hard to find something that will speak to your special someone. Or you could play it safe with a box of assorted gourmet chocolates, also available online.

9. Bravado Spice Pineapple Habanero Sauce
Local boys James Nelson and Jeremiah Tallerine want to make your Valentine's Day a little sweet and a little hot with their award-winning Bravado Spice Pineapple Habanero hot sauce. The recipe is simple and uses only natural ingredients: just pineapples, habanero peppers, yellow bell peppers, vinegar, garlic and salt (and some xanthan gum to thicken it, but that just makes it sound cooler). The hot sauce is great as a marinade for meat or seafood or a condiment on a burger, but you can also drizzle it over cheese or eat it with a spoon dip chips in it. Order it online for just $7 a bottle or pick it up at one of many locations all over Houston.